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NEW: (updated 11/18/2008) PLEASE CHECK UPDATED PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE and PHOTO GALLERY!
New York, NY (December 2008) – This Holiday season, The Edison Ballroom and producer Mickey Marchello, former guitarist from the legendary New York rock band Good Rats, will welcome the swing era sounds of George Gee and his Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra as they entertain guests with a new show that evokes a golden era: “Sleigh Bells Swing.” George Gee and his 22-piece Big Band offer the perfect Holiday treat for not only swing and jazz music fans, but also for tourists and tri-state area residents looking for an incredible Holiday entertainment experience. The Edison Ballroom poses as the perfect backdrop for George Gee’s musical extravaganza with its plush leather walls and sophisticated art deco accents in tones of whites, blacks, shades of grey, and platinum juxtaposed against illuminated glass tiles. Combined with the décor of The Edison Ballroom and a presentation of classic Holiday songs, guests will feel as if they are re-entering a fantasy world of 1930s/1940s retro era of glitz and glamour that no longer exists – until now.
A world-renowned professional swing band leader, George Gee is also the only Chinese-American one. He has compiled a hip and cosmopolitan big band show fully equipped with 22 tuxedoed musicians, captivating singers, rhythmic tap dancers and gravity-defying lindy hoppers, punctuated by a custom-tailored bandstand to complete the look of this elegant evening. “Sleigh Bells Swing” will begin with an interactive and multi-media floor show with the full swing orchestra and complete cast during dinner, MC’ed by the seasonal anecdotes of Mickey Marchello. After the show and four course meal, the complete 1,700 square feet dance floor will open for dancing to the swingin’ big band sounds of George Gee and his orchestra.  George Gee and the Singin' Sleigh Belles Edison Ballroom’s “Sleigh Bells Swing” will run straight from December 20th, 2008 through January 3rd, 2009 (with no performance on December 24th, 2008). Tickets for this special performance are available at Telecharge.com, info@edisonballroom.com or by calling (212) 201-7650. The Edison Ballroom is located in the hearty of Times Square at 240 West 47th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. Please also ask them about the special grand performance to celebrate the New Year on December 31st, as we welcome 2009! Additional important show information at www.myspace.com/SleighBellsSwing
Fuel by the recent resurgence of interest in Big Band Swing and Lindy Hop and the mass addition of new swing jazz music lovers, George Gee has taken advantage of the climate by presenting a fun and high energy showcase of the Big Band style and ideology. The 10 piece Jump, Jivin’ Wailers (formerly The Jump, Jive and Wailers) was created in 1999 by Musical Director/Trumpeter/Vocalist Walt Szymanski and bandleader George as a way to economically perform and tour with a smaller ensemble with a “Big Band” sound. Walt wrote custom-tailored musical arrangements that still took advantage of the original orchestrations and retained the full, classic and swingin’ sound. “If Dreams Come True” features dancefloor-proven, classic Savoy Ballroom favorites and the arrangements of Mr. Szymanski – recorded in modern Hi-Fidelity. Classic big band swing jazz, meant for both listenin’ and dancin’, with a nod toward the jump styles of some of George’s favorites: his musical idol and mentor – Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Fletcher Henderson, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, Fats Waller, Edgar Sampson and Jimmy Rushing. Special appearances by Grammy nominee vocalist Carla Cook, vocalist John Dokes and clarinetist Dan Block.
PURCHASE GEORGE GEE CDs HERE!
Please visit our Private Parties & Event Planning section to see how The George Gee Orchestra can be your full-service music service agency for all your special events. A quarter century of GREAT parties is a proud component of our reputation. We play Swing that Rocks and Rock that Swings!
There is no denying The George Gee Orchestra’s extensive roster of happy clients in the swing and jazz medium. Top NYC musicians who understand George’s concept and belief that music is also showbiz! In an ideal situation, we’d love to bring the full 17 piece big band to your dance/concert/festival/etc., but The 10 piece Jump, Jivin’ Wailers also has that full Big Band Jump sound and travels more conveniently. Check out our Resume section for a list of satisfied music lovers!
The George Gee Orchestra has had the pleasure to visit concert stages all across the USA with the Big Band and wacky lindyhop dance team. Recent themes include The Count Basie/Glenn Miller Centennial Celebration, Big Band Broadway, Stompin’ at the Savoy, Swingin’ Holidays and Frankly Yours (A Big Band Salute to Frank Sinatra). We are represented by Community Communications in the Arts Presenters community.
WELCOME FROM GEORGE GEE Hello Music Lovers:
To be able to bring our brand of music into ballrooms, swing clubs, parties, dance events, celebrations, festivals and concerts all over the country, into the Far East and lindyhop the Atlantic over to Europe - well, it's a true dream come true! See our photos as we jump 'n jived for packed dance floors during stops at numerous West Coast swing hot spots, deviations into the Pacific Northwest, southern points such as DC, VA, NC, SC and FL, more north into the New England States and, of course, all over our hometown of New York City! The past has been enlightening to the band and myself, but surely the future holds many more great surprises. Please check out some of the band's music or better yet, see one of our dynamic stage shows. And to keep the swing and jazz community one big happy family, please sign the guestbook and let us know what's on your mind. Thanks for swingin' by.....
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SLEIGH BELLS SWING
It has
been nearly three decades since I first counted off the downbeat for
my first big band and it has been quite a roller coaster ride ever
since. Nobody told me it would ever be easy, in fact, mostly everybody
informed me that a large swing orchestra would never be able to
make a mark in the modern jazz world or something more unfathomable
- being popular in a more "mainstream" category. Everybody, except
for my musical idol and inspiration - Mr. William "Count" Basie.
Our chance encounter backstage at The Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh,
PA in December of 1979 and our continued relationship into the 1980's
reconfirmed my beliefs and love for the music. His words and support
continue to echo in my mind everyday and especially when I step
in front of my grand swing orchestra. And the more recent collaborations
(rehearsals, performances and music arrangements) with former Basie
sidemen and arrangers - Frank Foster and Benny Powell - just reaffirms
the passing of the torch. Thanks, Mr. Basie.
